Athens announced financial and technical support for repairs after a June 15 attack, promising training and research funding to protect Ukraine’s religious heritage.
Greece will support efforts to restore the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra after a Russian drone damaged one of the most important Orthodox landmarks in Eastern Europe and the Dormition Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
According to the Greek Ministry of Culture, Athens expresses solidarity with Ukraine and confirms its intention to cover the costs of restoration research, as well as to continue work on the memorandum between the European Centre for Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Monuments and the Ukrainian Ministry of Culture.
“to express Greece’s condolences and solidarity after the attack on June 15, which damaged Kyiv’s historic monastery complex”
– Greek Reporter
Greece’s Reaction and Next Steps
The Greek Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, condemned the damage as a blow to cultural heritage and stressed that armies should not attack cultural monuments or use them as instruments during armed conflict.
“armies should not attack cultural heritage or use it as an instrument during armed conflict”
– Lina Mendoni
The Greek Ministry of Culture has said that the country will cover the costs of restoration research. Athens also plans to continue work on the memorandum of cooperation and organize specialized training seminars in Thessaloniki for Ukrainian restorers.
Through this initiative, Greece aims to strengthen cooperation with Ukraine in the field of cultural heritage protection.